Book Review: Divergent
The first time I read Divergent was at the library and I never got the chance to check it out again. All I remember was that I was immediately sucked into the book, so curious and interested about what was going to happen next. But after a week, it had vanished from my thoughts. Luckily, after a few months, I was able to get my hands on the book again as a gift for my birthday. I always enjoy a good dystopian novel and after finishing it, it was definitely going on my top 5 list of favorite books.
Divergent, written by Veronica Roth is a dystopian novel about a 16-year-old girl Beatrice Prior. Her society is divided into five factions. Abnegation(members who value selflessness), Erudite(members who value knowledge, Candor(members who value honesty), Amity(members who value kindness), and lastly Dauntless(members who value bravery and fight against cowardice). But there are also Divergents which are those who don't fit into just one faction. Nobody speaks of it and it is kept secret. Every year, all the 16-year-olds take a faction test to see what faction they belong in. Beatrice and her brother, Caleb, both decide to leave their faction, Abnegation. Beatrice chooses Dauntless and Caleb chooses Erudite. Beatrice introduces herself as "Tris" to her new faction and begins training. Of course, nothing comes easy in Dauntless. She becomes friends with Christina, Will, Al, and develops a close relationship with her instructor, Four. They realize that they have many similarities along the way and problems that might come because of it. When they realize that Erudite is trying to overthrow the other factions for power, Dauntless must do whatever it takes to stop them. This also causes her to make many sacrifies along the way, especially since her brother, Caleb, is in Erudite.
This novel is packed with action, thriller, and suspense. I really liked the plot of the book and found it really interesting how the world is divided basically by personality traits. It was intersting to see how Tris progresses throughout the book from being in Abnegation to becoming a brave and more confident being. I liked Tris's character. She was determined to do well in Dauntless, but she always thought of her family at night before she went to sleep. She's a mix of selflessness AND bravery. Something I wish the book couldv'e done better is focus more on the side characters too. Although the author did provide basic information, I was really interested in her friend, Christina. I have to warn you though, there will be certain characters that will just drive you insane. But I guess that just proves how good of an author Veronica Roth is! I really enjoyed reading Divergent, and I think you will too!
Take this quiz to see what faction you belong in! https://www.epicreads.com/blog/divergent-quiz-factions/
- Yelina Lee
This was such a great book, and you described it very well! I agree though, it would have been more interesting if there was more about the side characters, and maybe some backstory. Nice post!
ReplyDeleteHi Yelina, nice blog post about Divergent! Personally this wasn't my favorite book when I read it, but I agree that the setting with the different factions is a cool idea.
ReplyDeleteI had to read this book in 7th grade, and I liked most of it except for the fact that it only focused on a few people, but I still really liked it. Good summary too!
ReplyDeleteI have to say, I've never read the Divergent books, but I consider them to be quite popular within the dystopian YA fanbase. After reading this review, I might just have to try the series one day, especially considering I watched the movies not too long ago. Also, thanks for including the little quiz at the end, it's been a while since I've done one like that!
ReplyDeleteI really loved this series and the movies that accompany it when I was in 6th grade! As you mentioned it has a very cool premise involving the different factions and the divergents. I totally agree with your point about how Veronica Roth could have focused more on some of the supporting characters. I would have loved to know more about Tris's friends. Thanks for the great review.
ReplyDeleteA while back I read the book. I enjoyed the premise but didn't like the execution or the interactions between characters. For me, it seems I read dystopian books like this and the Hunger Games, and the romantic aspects seem to be a crutch where more development into the plot and settings could be written. I'll keep an eye out for books like that, but thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteHi! I really liked the introduction that you gave and it already got me interested in the book. Additionally, I found it really fun to find out what faction I would be part of (according to the mini test), so I thank you for that little fun inclusion! I got Abnegation.
ReplyDeleteHi Yelina! This is a really good post! I read the Divergent series a little bit ago, and I don't actually remember too much of it. If you enjoyed it though, and maybe I'll possibly do a re-read!
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